Aiyedatiwa Committed To Aesthetic Environment, Well-Ordered Physical Development Of Ondo State- Commissioner
The Ondo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sunday Olajide has said the state government had already commenced the process of producing modern master plan for Akure, the state capital and other major towns to enhance coordinated development of cities for growth and sustainable urban transformation.
Olajide reiterated the commitment of the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to facilitating aesthetic environment and well-ordered physical development of the state.
The Commissioner made this known while playing host to the National Executive of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in his office in Akure.
He stated that his Ministry has signed memorandum of understanding with notable national and international organizations to carry out comprehensive survey of some towns in order to identify sensitive areas for development and also achieve urban regeneration of some ancient communities, adding that the state government is also working on the review and domestication of Town Planning laws to align with the reality of the present time.
The Commissioner, who appreciated the Association for the visit and the usual cooperation of its members for the successes recorded in the Ministry, said government would continue to count on the professional experiences of its members especially in the areas of capacity building and execution of major projects in the state.
Earlier in his speech, the President of the Association, Mr Bisi Adedire re emphasized the need for a current and comprehensive Master Plan Akure to guide infrastructure investment, manage urban growth, improve land value and make the state capital a regional urban hub in the country.
Adedire equally noted that domestication of urban and regional planning law in Nigeria would give local planning authorities legal backing to enforce physical development controls, sanction defaulters as well as streamline planning approval processes and attract investments
He called on the state government to take proactive measure to arrest the ongoing coastal erosion and sea incursion in Ayetoro community to avoid humanitarian and environmental emergency, calling on the state government to ensure mandatory engagement of registered Town Planning Consultants in processing and supervision of development permits for the construction of above four (4) story buildings.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, appreciated the leadership of the Association for choosing the state as venue for their Annual General Meeting, assuring them that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with them for mutual benefit.
